What we can measure, we can manage

This is an introduction to a series of five short articles about how we can measure and manage aspects of our metabolic health.

Without an understanding of what your body is trying to tell you, you are flying blind. Trying to find what’s right for you by simply using trial and error may take more than a lifetime.

In the first article, I explain how waist circumference can tell you a lot about how much visceral fat you have around your internal organs, and this correlates very well with chronic low-grade inflammation. Waist circumference is a more useful measurement to monitor than weight or BMI (Body Mass Index).

In the second article, I will help you review past blood tests with "optimal" levels as opposed to "normal" levels in mind. You can use these to better understand your insulin metabolism and your level of the chronic, low-grade inflammation that is associated with metabolic decline.

In the third article, I’ll help you look at your own existing diagnoses and medications for things such as high blood pressure, lipids, and haemoglobin A1c. How to understand them, and what records you can keep to help your doctor understand where you’re at.

In the fourth article, I’ll help you decide whether an electronic device such as a sports watch could help you measure factors such as sleep, exercise, and stress.

The fifth article is a guide to journaling. By noticing and journaling, you could become familiar with the sensations caused by inflammation in your body. You could also understand the five types of hunger - what they mean, which are real and which are a symptom of poor metabolic health.

For example, is it real hunger or a food craving? Is the craving due to a food addiction, or might it be a result of nutritional deficiencies? Should you now eat, or ignore it?

Journaling will help you keep records in a form that will be useful when you visit your doctor.

These five articles will help you listen to your body, which will help you assess results as you try various improvements to your lifestyle. You will get more feedback, faster.

This is educational only, not personalised advice. Keep in contact with your health care professionals.